First-principles calculations of the effect of Ge content on the electronic, mechanical and acoustic properties of Li17Si4-xGex

Xiaohong Li,Hong-Ling Cui,Rui-Zhou Zhang 한국물리학회 2019 Current Applied Physics Vol.19 No.6

The electronic, mechanical and acoustic properties of Li17Si4-xGex (x=0, 2.3, 3.08, 3.53, and 4) have been investigated by using first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT). The research shows that the bulk modulus B, Young's modulus E, shear modulus G, and hardness Hv gradually decrease with the increasing Ge content. Li17Si4-xGex have the brittle nature from the analysis of B/G ratio and Cauchy pressure. The maximum Young's moduli are all along [1 1 0] plane, and the sequence of degree of anisotropic property is Li17Ge4 > Li17Si0.48Ge3.52 > Li17Si0.92Ge3.08 > Li17Si1.7Ge2.3 > Li17Si4. The analysis of acoustic velocity shows that all the sound velocities decrease with the increasing Ge content for Li17Si4-xGex (x=0, 2.3, 3.08, 3.53, and 4), and the longitudinal wave along [111] direction is fastest for the studied compounds. Debye temperature ΘD, vt and vl decrease with the increasing Ge content. The minimum thermal conductivity decreases with the increasing Ge content, and Li17Si4-xGex have low thermal conductivities and are not potential thermal conductors. The analysis of electronic properties indicates that Li17Si4-xGex have the metal nature and anisotropic electrical conductivity. The electric conduction is improved with the increasing Ge content.

Controllable Synthesis of Co-Doped Spinel LiMn2O4 Nanotubes as Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries

Li-Xin Zhang,Yuan-Zhong Wang,Hong-Fang Jiu,Ya-Lei Wang,Yi-Xin Sun,Zhenzhong Li 대한금속·재료학회 2014 ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LETTERS Vol.10 No.2

Spinel Co-LiMn2O4 nanotubes have been synthesized via solid state reaction using α-MnO2 nanotubes as selftemplates. The as-prepared powders were investigated by XRD, TEM, and galvanostatic discharge/charge analysis. The optimal doping amount was confirmed by galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements. The results indicate that about 67% of initial capacity (115 mAh/g) of LiMn2O4 nanotubes can be retained after 50 cycles. For Co-LiMn2O4 nanotubes, the initial reversible capacity is 126.6 mAh/g and 100 mAh/g can be maintained after 50 cycles. The capacitance retention rate of Co-LiMn2O4 nanotubes is as high as 79%. These results indicate that the doping Co can effectively improve circle stability and electrochemical performance of LiMn2O4 nanotubes.

Investigation of the Phenomenon of Propagated Sensation along the Channels in the Upper Limb Following Administration of Acupuncture and Mock Laser

Shohreh Razavy,Marcus Gadau,Shi Ping Zhang,Fu Chun Wang,Sergio Bangrazi,Christine Berle,Mahrita Harahap,Tie Li,Wei Hong Li,Christopher Zaslawski 사단법인약침학회 2017 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.10 No.5

Background: Similar to De Qi psychophysical responses, propagated sensation along the channels (PSC) is considered an important phenomenon in traditional Chinese acupuncture. In acupuncture clinical trials, different acupuncture manipulation techniques are used to enhance the propagation of sensation along the channels to facilitate an optimum therapeutic result. Aim: To examine and compare the PSC reported by participants in a clinical trial following the administration of acupuncture and inactive mock laser. Methods: The study was embedded in a two-arm parallel design multicenter, randomized clinical trial, the Tennis Elbow AcupuncturedInternational StudydChina, Hong Kong, Australia, Italy (TEA IS CHAI). Needle sensations were measured using a validated instrument, the Massachusetts General Hospital Acupuncture Sensation Spreading Scale. Ninety-six participants with lateral elbow pain were randomly allocated into two groups in a 1:1 ratio; the acupuncture treatment group (n Z 47) and the mock laser control group (n Z 49). Participants in both groups received the intervention at two acupoints, LI10 and LI11, consisting of 2 minutes of either standardized needle manipulation or mock laser at each acupoint with a rest period between each intervention period. Data were collected immediately following the interventions at the first and the ninth session within the clinical trial. Results: Although participants in both groups perceived PSC radiating to similar sites along the upper limb, the frequency of the reported radiation sites among the two intervention groups for both radiation up the limb (p < 0.05) and radiation down the limb (p < 0.001) were statistically significantly different. Among the radiating sensation sites recorded within the two study groups, the sensations were reported as radiating a greater distance down the forearm to the wrist compared to up the arm. Evaluation of PSC across the four study sites revealed a statistically significant difference in frequency of the reported radiation down the limb sites in each study group and radiation up the limb sites only in control group only (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings of the study demonstrated that the PSC phenomenon is not just associated with needling but can be perceived when using a mock laser. Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry reference: ACTRN12613001138774 on 11th of October 2013.

Evolution of the effect of sulfur confinement in graphene-based porous carbons for use in Li-S batteries

Jia, Xiangling,Zhang, Chen,Liu, Juanjuan,Lv, Wei,Wang, Da-Wei,Tao, Ying,Li, Zhengjie,Zheng, Xiaoyu,Yu, Jong-Sung,Yang, Quan-Hong The Royal Society of Chemistry 2016 Nanoscale Vol.8 No.8

<P>A controllable drying strategy is proposed for the precise and non-destructive control over the structure of a 3D graphene assembly. Such an assembly is used as a model carbon material to investigate the pore structure-dependent shuttle effect and cycling performance of the cathode of a Li-S battery.</P>

Disruption of endothelial barrier function is linked with hyposecretion and lymphocytic infiltration in salivary glands of Sjögren's syndrome

Cong, Xin,Zhang, Xue-Ming,Zhang, Yan,Wei, Tai,He, Qi-Hua,Zhang, Li-Wei,Hua, Hong,Lee, Sang-Woo,Park, Kyungpyo,Yu, Guang-Yan,Wu, Li-Ling Elsevier 2018 Biochimica et biophysica acta. Molecular basis of Vol.1864 No.10

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes hyposecretion in salivary glands. Endothelial tight junctions (TJs) play crucial roles in salivation and barrier function of blood vessels. However, whether the alteration of endothelial TJs were involved in pathogenesis of SS was still unknown. Here, the ultrastructure and function of endothelial TJs in submandibular glands (SMGs) were detected by transmission electron microscopy and in vivo paracellular permeability assay in different aged NOD mouse model for SS. CFSE-labeled lymphocytes were injected into tail vein to trace the infiltration, while claudin-5 expression and distribution were detected by immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and western blot. Results showed that the stimulated salivary flow rate was gradually decreased and lymphocytic infiltration was found as age increased in 12- and 21-week-old NOD mice, but not 7-week-old NOD mice. Blood vessels were dilated, while endothelial TJ width and paracellular tracer transport were increased in 12-week-old NOD mice. Moreover, the injected CFSE-labeled lymphocytes were observed in SMGs of 12-week-old NOD mice. Claudin-5 level was increased and relocalized from the apical portion of neighboring endothelial cells to lateral membranes and cytoplasm in 12-week-old NOD mice. Additionally, the alteration of claudin-5 expression and distribution was further confirmed in labial salivary glands and bilateral parotid glands from SS patients. In cultured human microvessel endothelial cell line (HMEC-1), IFN-γ stimulation significantly increased claudin-5 expression. Taken together, we identified that the endothelial TJ barrier was disrupted and contributed to the development of salivary hyposecretion and lymphocytic infiltration in SS.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Endothelial tight junction barrier is disrupted in hyposecretory submandibular glands from Sjögren's syndrome mouse model </LI> <LI> The disrupted salivary endothelial barrier is linked with lymphocytic infiltration in Sjögren's syndrome mouse model </LI> <LI> The redistribution of claudin-5 is responsible for disrupted endothelial barrier in salivary glands from Sjögren's syndrome </LI> </UL> </P>

Positive Effects of Soy Isoflavone Food on Survival of Breast Cancer Patients in China

Zhang, Ya-Feng,Kang, Hong-Bin,Li, Bi-Li,Zhang, Rui-Ming Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.2

Aim: Soy foods are the major source of isoflavones, which are believed to play important roles in genesis of breast cancer and its progression. We here conducted a prospective study to evaluate the association of soy isoflavone food consumption with breast cancer prognosis. Methods: A prospective study was performed from January 2004 and January 2006 in China. Trained interviewers conducted face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire to collect information on dietary habits and potential confounding factors. The relative risk [hazard ratio (HR)] and 95% CI were calculated from the Cox regression model for all significant predictors from cancer diagnosis to the endpoint of the study (event). Results: After a median follow up of 52.1 months (range, 9-60 months), a total of 79 breast cancer related deaths were recorded in our study, risk being inversely associated with a high intake of soy isoflavone. With an average intake of soy isoflavone above 17.3 mg/day, the mortality of breast cancer can be reduced by about 38-36%. We also found the decreased breast cancer death with high soy protein intake, with a HR (95% CI) of 0.71 (0.52-0.98). Stratified analysis with reference to the ER status, further demonstrated a better prognosis of ER positive breast cancer with a high intake of soy isoflavone (HR 0.59, 0.40-0.93). Conclusion: Our study shows the soy food intake is associated with longer survival and low recurrence among breast cancer patients. A cohort study with a larger sample size and long term follow-up is now needed.

MicroRNA-451 Inhibits Growth of Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells via Downregulation of Pi3k/Akt Pathway

Li, Hong-Yan,Zhang, Yan,Cai, Jian-Hui,Bian, Hong-Lei Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.6

MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) play important roles in coordinating a variety of cellular processes and abnormal expression has been linked to the occurrence of several cancers. The miRNA miR-451 is downregulated in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) cells, suggested by several research groups including our own. In this study, synthetic miR-451 mimics were transfected into the SW620 human CRC cell line using Lipofectamine 2000 and expression of miR-451 was analyzed by real time PCR, while expression of CAB39, LKB1, AMPK, AKT, PI3K and Bcl2 was analyzed by Western blot, and cell growth was detected by MTT assay. In comparison to the controls, a significant increase in the expression of miR-451 was associated with significantly decreased expression of CAB39, LKB1, AMPK, AKT, PI3K and Bcl2. The capacity of cell proliferation was significantly decreased by miR-451 expression, which also inhibited cell growth. Our study confirmed that miR-451 has a repressive role in CRC cells by inhibiting cell growth through down-regulating the P13K/AKT pathway.

20(S)-Protopanaxadiol Induces Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Apoptosis through a Caspase-Mediated Pathway

Zhang, Hong,Xu, Hua-Li,Fu, Wen-Wen,Xin, Ying,Li, Mao-Wei,Wang, Shuai-Jun,Yu, Xiao-Feng,Sui, Da-Yun Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.18

20(S)-Protopanaxadiol (PPD), a ginsenoside isolated from Pananx quinquefolium L., has been shown to inhibit growth and proliferation in several cancer cell lines. The aim of this study was to evaluate its anticancer activity in human breast cancer cells. MCF-7 cells were incubated with different concentrations of 20(S)-PPD and cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. Occurrence of apoptosis was detected by DAPI and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured with Rhodamine 123. The Bcl-2 and Bax expression were determined by Western blot analysis. Caspase activity was measured by colorimetric assay. 20(S)-PPD dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation in MCF-7 cells, with an $IC_{50}$ value of $33.3{\mu}M$ at 24h. MCF-7 cells treated with 20(S)-PPD presented typical apoptosis, as observed by morphological analysis in cell stained with DAPI. The percentages of annexin V-FITC positive cells were 8.92%, 17.8%, 24.5% and 30.5% in MCF-7 cells treated with 0, 15, 30 and $60{\mu}M$ of 20(S)-PPD, respectively. Moreover, 20(S)-PPD could induce mitochondrial membrane potential loss, up-regulate Bax expression and down-regulate Bcl-2 expression. These events paralleled activation of caspase-9, -3 and PARP cleavage. Apoptosis induced by 20(S)-PPD was blocked by z-VAD-fmk, a pan-caspase inhibitor, suggesting induction of caspase-mediated apoptotic cell death. In conclusion, the 20(S)-PPD investigated is able to inhibit cell proliferation and to induce cancer cell death by a caspase-mediated apoptosis pathway.

Gene cloning and expression analysis of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, glycogen synthase and glycogen phosphorylase reveal the glycometabolism in the diapause process of Aphidius gifuensis

Hong Zhi Zhang,Meng Qing Wang,Ying Qiang Xie,Mei Xiang,Ping Li,Yu Yan Li,Li Sheng Zhang 한국응용곤충학회 2020 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.23 No.3

Aphidius gifuensis is an important biological control agent of aphid. It stores sugar as energy reserves before the onset of diapause, a form of dormancy that occurs when environmental conditions become unfavorable for development. In this study, cDNA of three relevant enzymes, trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS), glycogen synthase (GYS) and glycogen phosphorylase (GP) were cloned, and their expression profiles in the preparation and maintenance of diapause, and post-diapause development were analyzed. The results showed that AgTPS, AgGYS and AgGP encoded proteins consisting of 807, 690 and 844 amino acids respectively. The expression profiles of three genes were significantly affected by diapause-inducing condition. The increase of transcription of AgGYS and AgGP were followed by the up-regulate of AgTPS expression in the preparation of diapause, expression of all three genes were inhibited while diapause is maintained, and expression of AgGYS was upregulated when diapause was terminated. These results suggested that trehalose is accumulated before initiation of diapause and glycogen may play an important role in post-diapause development.

Expression of Endogenous Hypoxia Markers in Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Li, Yu-Zhu,Li, Shu-Ling,Li, Xia,Wang, Li-Jie,Wang, Jiu-Ling,Xu, Jia-Wen,Wu, Zhi-Hong,Gong, Li,Zhang, Xiao-Dan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.8

Objective: To investigate the expression of endogenous hypoxia-related markers identified as being involved in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). Methods: We performed immunohistochemical staining of hypoxia-inducible factor-$1{\alpha}$ (HIF-$1{\alpha}$), glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1), carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA-9) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), on tissue sections of 25 VSCC patients, 10 vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) patients and 12 healthy controls. Results: HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression was found in all sections, with no significant difference between controls, VIN and VSCC sections (all P<0.05). Glut-1 expression was found in 25% of control, 90% of VIN and 100% of VSCC sections. A significant difference between control and VIN or VSCC was observed (all P<0.05), while no difference was found between VIN and VSCC sections (P>0.05). CA-9 expression was negative in control sections, but it was found in 30% of VIN sections and 52% of VSCC sections with strong staining. Similarly, CA-9 expression also showed obvious differences between controls and VIN or VSCC sections (all P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between VIN and VSCC (P>0.05). There were only 25% of control sections with weak VEGF expression, while strong staining was found in about 60% of VIN sections and 25% of VSCC sections (all P<0.05). In addition, a difference was also found between VIN and VSCC sections (P<0.05). Conclusion: Expression of endogenous hypoxia markers (HIF-$1{\alpha}$, GLUT-1, CA-9 and VEGF) might be involved in the malignant progression of VSCC.